Jacob Zuma, whose trademark song, Umshini wami or "bring back my machine
gun", has become a rallying cry for his supporters, hinted on Tuesday that a
gun-free South Africa was the way to fight crime.

Addressing the Cape Town Press Club on Tuesday, the African National
Congress deputy president said any good leader should aspire to political
stability and said he has "absolutely no concern" about South Africa's
political stability. He emphasised that South Africa needed to be free of
crime.

In what could be a veiled criticism of President Thabo Mbeki, who has used
statistics to prove that crime has decreased, Zuma said: "Instead of saying
what we can do, we discuss the statistics instead of discussing crime and
dealing with it."

Zuma said that he had also considered that perhaps part of the solution
would be a total ban on firearms.

On his relationship with Mbeki, Zuma denied there was a rift between them.

He again denied he was campaigning to become the next ANC president and said
his criss-crossing the country was all part of normal party work dating back
to pre-1994.

On his commitment to freedom of expression, Zuma was questioned on why he
was suing journalists, commentators and cartoonists for defamation.

Zuma said he had been tried by the media, who had abused its freedom.

On whether he would accept nomination to succeed Mbeki as president, even if
he was recharged with corruption, Zuma made clear he would stand.

This article was originally published on page 3 of Daily News on April 18, 2007